Belgaum, also known as Malendu or Rain Country, is located at the foothills of the Sayadhri range. The place is not only famous for its history but also for its natural beauty. It is also home to several divisions of the Indian Armed Forces.
The past of Belgaum is chequered. It was overrun many times, owing to its strategic location on the Indian peninsula. In the past Belgaum was known as Venugrama (Bamboo village) because of the abundance of bamboo trees in this region. It was a part of the Chalukya Empire (6th-8th century ad), as is evident from the remains of monuments found here. The history of Belgaum town dates back to 12th century ad, when it was built and ruled by local rulers by the name of Rattas. A fort built by the Ratta rulers still stands here and is an important tourist attraction. Belgaum was later ruled by the Yadavas of Devangiri and then became a part of the great Vijaynagar Kingdom. The Bahamani rulers of the Deccan captured it in the 15th century. They not only renovated the Belgaum fort, but also built the Jami Masjid and other important monuments. The Mughals took over Belgaum and renamed it as Azamnagar. Belgaum witnessed a prolonged power struggle between the Mughals and the Marathas. The Marathas took over this town and held it until the British took over.
By Air: Belgaum has an airport and daily flights are plying between Mumbai and Belgaum.
By Rail: Belgaum is connected by rail to Bangalore (via Londa), Mumbai (via Miraj), Vasco da Gama.
By Road: Belgaum is connected by road to most places in south and west of India.
Belgaum is the place to shop for wonderful handmade wooden toys as well as pottery, leather goods and jewellery.
There are few hotels in Belgaum. Whatever accommodation is available in Belgaum is cheap and suits every pocket. The Karnataka State Tourism Development Council's hotel Mallaprabha is the main hotel of this town and is located on the bypass on the main national highway.